Crusaders captain Richie McCaw will probably not play against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday, because of the way South African sides treat the flanker.

This is according to assistant coach Vern Cotter, who said that South Africans tend to target the flanker, and the Crusaders would like to deprive the Stormers of that opportunity.

McCaw came away battered from their draw with the Western Force on Friday, leaving the field with a cut above his eye.

The skipper admitted his side was fortunate to have left Perth with a 23-all draw. “We were a little lucky I guess to come away with two points,” he said. “We knew the Force wouldn’t be easy but we didn’t have quite the intensity we needed. This is Super 14 rugby and you have got to turn up 100% or you finish second.”

Lock Ross Filipo is also in doubt for the clash in Cape Town after he suffered a groin strain on Friday. Filipo left the field early in the second half and will be assessed midweek.

Fellow lock Kevin O’Neill suffered a cut above the eyes but is expected to return this week.